A screaming crowd welcomed Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin Monday night at Suplizio Field at Lincoln Park. She stepped on stage after an introduction and performance by country music sensation Hank Williams Jr.

She thanked the crowd for waiting and stressed the importance of the choice that needed to be made on Nov. 4. Palin acknowledged being at the home for Mesa State College and said that she and presidential candidate John McCain are just “another team of Mavericks.”

Mesa State senior Justine Senko held a sign that read “Mesa Mavs for the Mavs.” She arrived at 3p.m. and was excited to see and hear her candidate speak.

Palin brought to light the differences between the presidential candidates as well as her opponent. She stated that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama only served 300 days in the senate before deciding to run for president while McCain has “spent his entire life” preparing to become president.

She addressed the economic state of the country and feels that “we need John McCain.” Palin focused on the fact that he is ready to serve the country and “we” need a man who is going to lead with experience and courage.

“I like that she is a breath of fresh air,” Mesa State senior Derrick Griffiths said. He thinks that she brings some new stuff to the table, referencing Palin’s thoughts on reform. “They’re going to clean Washington out.”

Palin brought up “Joe the plumber” and “Tito the builder” in her beliefs that small business owners and workers are the backbone of the economy. She touched on McCain’s plan to keep retirement money, help students pay for college, and lower income taxes.

Palin and McCain have an economic plan to put government back on the side of the people. If elected they plan to confront the 10 trillion dollar debt and will balance the budget by the end of the first term.

She continued with the topic of energy efficiency. “We want to set this country firmly on a path to energy independence,” Palin said. Palin plans on doing this by safely and responsibly drilling in America for the safety of the country’s security.

Senior Mesa State student Caitlin Cuevas attended the rally and is excited about the election. “She is the first woman to run, and it shows that our country is equal, having a woman running for such a high position.”

Palin feels that “every child has something to contribute to this word if given the chance.” Speaking on helping families who have a special needs child got the audience’s attention saying that these children are not a problem but a priority.

She finished her speech saying that “in this campaign there is really one man who has really fought for you, and that man is John McCain.”

Amanda Friar contributed to this article.